2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate staff officer's, 3pp. 4to. letter by Major SAMUEL WICKLIFFE MELTON (1830-1899), as a.g.g. on General Gustavus W. Smith's staff, "Hd. Qrs., Richmond., Va., Oct. 18, 1862," to future brigadier general, Staunton post commander Col. Henry B. Davidson, reading, in part: "The paper forwarded by you to these Hd. Qrs in explanation of the misunderstanding between yourself and the railroad authorities have been considered. Mr. Whitcomb, the General Superintendent, was called upon for an explanation…of the willingness of the company to cooperate with you as far as possible…the difficulty has arisen from a misapprehension of the relationship existing between the Government and Railroad companies…it has been deemed unadvisable…for the government to assume direct control of Railroads. To prevent such a necessity the Quartermaster General…has effected an understanding with railroad companies throughout the Confederacy, including the "Virginia Central" in accordance with which they undertake to supply transportation…and to obey all reasonable orders given them by officers of the Quartermaster's Department. His has been uniformly the course pursued here and it has worked harmoniously and effectively. The Major Gen'l. Comd'g. [Gustavus Smith] studiously refrains from interfering with the Railroad management…the experience here warrants the belief that the fault will [best be] attached to the Quartermaster other than to the Railroad management and can be removed without the exercise of military authority, either by your personal influence or by a prompt communication with Maj. Cone, Chf. Qr. Ms. at these Head Quarters…Saml. W. Melton, Maj. & AAG." Minor spotting , else VG.
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